The Pittsburgh Penguins‘ forward group will be down a key contributor for roughly the next two months.

Winger Rickard Rakell underwent surgery on his left hand and will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks, the team announced on Sunday. Rakell left Saturday’s loss to Columbus early in the third period after taking a shot off the back of the hand.

The 32-year-old is off to a strong start for a Penguins squad that’s impressed early on. Through nine games, he has three goals and five assists while averaging nearly 18 minutes a night.

Rakell enjoyed a career-best season last year, posting highs in goals (35) and points (70), while tying his previous best in assists (35).

With the loss of Rakell, Pittsburgh recalled forward Ville Koivunen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL.

Koivunen appe

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